Jennifer Bousquet, Tiffany Piper, and Melissa Tamayo
SP18: INFO-232 Sec 11 - Issues in Public Libraries
TRACY, CA
Tracy Library -- by the Numbers:
Square Footage: 16,911 square feet
Circulation 2017: 201,098 items
Source: Tracy Library Staff
Tracy, CA -- by the Numbers:
Population: 89,922
65.22% White,
5.48% African American,
0.91% Native American,
8.14% Asian,
0.55% Pacific Islander
13.08% from other races,
6.63% from two or more races.
Source: U.S. Census 2010
"The purpose of public libraries is happiness first, education second.” -- John Cotton Dana
MISSION STATEMENTS
Since we are examining only one branch of the system, the Tracy Library, we would recommend expanding upon that mission statement to give a systemic overview, and then narrowing it to describe the Tracy Library’s own specific goals. (At the very least, put the gratitude at the end of the statement!)
Current Mission Statement of the Tracy Library:
"All of what the library offers is made possible by the incredible support from the Stockton City Council, the San Joaquin Board of Supervisors, and the government officials of Escalon, Lathrop, Manteca, Ripon, Tracy and Mountain House. Additional recognition is given to the taxpayers in all the above cities and the unincorporated areas of Linden and Thornton.
Service Excellence>Respect for All>Teamwork and Collaboration>Community Engagement>Stewardship of Public Assets>Innovation
Library Vision
We are the community catalyst sparking curiosity, igniting the pursuit of knowledge, and fueling the exploration of endless possibilities.
Library Mission
The Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library inspires learning and discovery by providing community access to resources in both traditional and innovative ways."
Source: San Joaquin County Libraries Website
Proposed Mission Statement of the Tracy Library
“The Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library inspires learning and discovery by providing community access to resources in both traditional and innovative ways.
As one of the vital branches of this system, the Tracy Library is empowered to serve their local community through excellent service to its library visitors and digital patrons, through ongoing outreach and partnerships.
We continually strive to provide opportunities for exploration, collaboration and education for all patrons; from tiny tots to seniors.
Thank you to our local government officials and citizens for your support."
COMMUNITY BUILDING
One of the most obvious ways libraries promote themselves to their community, is through their website. The Tracy Library does not have their own website, but rather a page within the Stockton-San Joaquin County. Unfortunately, some of it appears to be out-of-date. Their roof was repaired last November! This is an easy fix!
As you scroll down the page, it's a long text-heavy laundry list of programs and services, that is not eye-catching in any way.
I spoke to a staffer (Ann) at the Tracy Library who seemed disquieted by my questions. I offered to send an email and she preferred to take my contact information instead. So instead of looking on an interview with enthusiasm and perhaps a way to promote the great things they are doing in their community, the staffer seemed suspicious of my motives. She was unwilling to give me her last name, or the branch manager's name!
Additionally, the annual reports posted to the website are out-of-date, with the most recent report being 4 years old.
This next page is actually the page hosted by the City of Tracy, that promotes the library. It is much more appealing, and makes an attempt at selling the Library's services. There is certainly room for improvement, but it is a cleaner and more appealing page than the first example. Oddly, the Branch Manager has a different person's name on it. This suggests either a) the Library's own page is out of date, or b) there is a disconnect in the communication line with the City of Tracy.
The Program page shows there are many events, particularly after-school activities. There are 3 school districts that serve Tracy, and the staffer I spoke to said their library serves as a pick-up point for parents. This includes 6 high schools! The Tracy Library does not appear to have a Facebook page or to be on Twitter or Instagram. This is also an easy fix, and a great way to market to and communicate with local community groups such as these teens.
It's possible that the Tracy Library is so busy serving their community that their branding and digital presence is the last thing on their minds. They are a library in a large city and I could not get a sense of how big their staff was. Looking at their presence on the Internet however, it's easy to see that there are some opportunities available to them that they are not utilizing.
In addition to the onsite programming, there is also a county bookmobile that makes scheduled appearances around the metropolitan area. The staffer also told me that they have a homeless task force meeting once a month, so clearly that is an issue they are addressing, as so many libraries are. As Tiffany notes in her analysis, It certainly appeared as if there were a lot of general programming listed, and some specialty events, but I did not see much diversity in the offerings, such as an LGBTQ kids club for example.
I did not get a clear sense of how they are acting as their self-proclaimed "community catalyst." This is an exciting time to be in librarianship, and that is the message that should be conveyed to the community to generate excitement around the Tracy Library.
EXTRA: Be inspired by this
Ted Talk about what to expect from libraries in the 21st century
(hint: it's all about Community!)